Method and apparatus for performing satellite selection in a broadcast communication system

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for performing satellite selection in a broadcast communication system is provided. In some embodiments, a controlling data stream broadcast on a first satellite over a broadcast channel is utilized to indicate that information signals such as a television program are being carried on the same channel on a different satellite. Remote receiving apparatus utilize the controlling data stream to locate the information signals by switching to the satellite identified in the controlling data stream.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to broadcastcommunication systems and, more particularly, to a method and apparatusfor performing satellite selection in a broadcast communication system.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] In recent years multimedia apparatus and applications have becomeextremely popular. For example, computer programs are now often designedto provide the user with visually stimulating graphical presentationspunctuated by stereo sound. Similarly, television programs are nowcommonly broadcast in stereo and surround sound modes to provide anenhanced aural experience for viewers.

[0005] Also in recent years, the direct satellite system for digitallytransmitting communication signals to individual users has come intobeing. The ability of the direct satellite system to transmit on theorder of 150 channels of digital information over a single satellite tomultiple end users offers unprecedented communications opportunities.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,490 to Harvey et al. generally discloses acontrol and monitoring apparatus for governing or influencing theoperation of remote apparatus via signals embedded in television andradio transmissions. Exemplary uses of the disclosed apparatus mentionedby Harvey et al. include: (a) stereo simulcasts where the apparatusautomatically routes video signals to an associated television andautomatically causes an associated stereo tuner to tune in and play acorresponding audio program; (b) automatically recording or printingnews information concerning predetermined companies selected by a user;(c) recording stock information for predetermined companies and causinga computer to generate and display graphical images reflecting theparticularized stock information during a generally broadcastedtelevision program concerning a related topic; and (d) downloading acopy of a recipe to a local printer in response to a signal associatedwith a television program concerning food preparation. As can be seenfrom these examples, one purpose of the device described in the Harveyet al. disclosure is to provide increased integration of remoteapparatus such as televisions, stereos, computers and printers toprovide enhanced multimedia presentations.

[0007] Prior art references, however, have been limited in that they donot provide means for selecting preferred modes of operation of remotereceiving apparatus. Nor do they provide means for addressingpredetermined models of remote receiving apparatus.

[0008] Moreover, with the rising popularity of the digital satellitesystem, new problems have arisen. For example, satellite servicebroadcasters have a need to grow and expand into new orbital slots viathe introduction of additional satellites. In order to ensureappropriate end users have access to the programming transmitted overmultiple satellites, it becomes necessary to provide the end user withinformation associating predetermined programming with particularsatellites such that the user can tune to desired programming.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a receivingapparatus for use with a broadcast communication system for delivering aplurality of channels of information signals to a plurality of remoteusers is provided. The remote receiving apparatus includes a firstantenna receiving element substantially directed towards a firstsatellite; and a second antenna receiving element substantially directedtowards a second satellite. It also includes a tuner for selecting oneof the plurality of channels as the tuned channel; and a switchingdevice having an output port, a first input port in communication withthe first antenna receiving element, and a second input port incommunication with the second antenna receiving element. The switchingdevice is adapted to switch between a first mode wherein the first inputport is coupled to the output port and a second mode wherein the secondinput port is coupled to the output port. The switching device isresponsive to a controlling data stream transmitted on the tuned channelby the first satellite to switch from the first mode to the second mode.The information signals transmitted on the tuned channel by the secondsatellite include program information.

[0010] In some embodiments, the switching device comprises an integratedreceiver decoder.

[0011] In some embodiments, the output port comprises first and secondoutput ports. In such embodiments, the remote receiving apparatus canoptionally be provided with first and second signal processing apparatuscoupled to the first and second output ports. In such instances, theswitching device can optionally be responsive to a controlling datastream to route at least a first portion of the program informationreceived from the second satellite to a first selected one of the firstand second signal processing apparatus. Optionally, the switching devicecan be adapted to route a second portion of the program information to asecond selected one of the first and second signal processing apparatus.

[0012] In any of the foregoing embodiments, the controlling data streammay optionally be adapted to instruct the switching device to switchfrom the first mode to the second mode at a predefined time. Thepredefined time may comprise an absolute time or a relative time.

[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a receivingapparatus for use with a broadcast communication system for delivering aplurality of channels of information signals to a plurality of remoteusers is provided. The receiving apparatus includes first, second andthird antenna receiving elements. Each of the first, second and thirdantenna receiving elements is substantially respectively directedtowards one of three satellites. The receiving apparatus furtherincludes a tuner for selecting one of the plurality of channels as thetuned channel; and, a switching device having an output port and first,second and third input ports. The first, second, and third input portsare respectively in communication with the first, second and thirdantenna receiving elements. The switching device is responsive to acontrolling data stream received via at least one of the first, second,and third antenna receiving elements to selectively couple at least oneof the first, second and third input ports to the output port. Thecontrolling data stream specifies which of the three satellites carriesprogram information corresponding to the tuned channel.

[0014] In some embodiments, the satellites are connected to the first,second and third input ports in a predefined manner, and the controllingdata stream specifies which of the satellites carries the programinformation by identifying one of the first, second and third inputports for connection to the output port. In other embodiments, thecontrolling data stream specifies which of the satellites carries theprogram information by specifying an orbit location for the specifiedsatellite, and the switching device automatically locates the specifiedsatellite such that the program information on the tuned channel iscoupled to the output port. In some embodiments, the controlling datastream specifies which of the satellites carries the program informationby specifying a polarization of the tuned channel, and the switchingdevice automatically locates the specified satellite such that theprogram information on the tuned channel is coupled to the output port.In some embodiments, the controlling data stream specifies which of thesatellites carries the program information by specifying a frequency ofthe tuned channel, and the switching device automatically locates thespecified satellite such that the program information on the tunedchannel is coupled to the output port.

[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method offacilitating satellite selection in a broadcast communication systemdelivering a plurality of channels of information to a plurality ofremote receiving apparatus is provided. The method comprises the stepsof: broadcasting an information signal over a first channel on a firstsatellite; and, broadcasting a controlling data stream over the firstchannel on a second satellite. The controlling data stream includesinformation identifying the first satellite as carrying the informationsignal whereby, if a remote receiving apparatus tunes to the firstchannel on the second satellite, the identifying information containedin the controlling data stream directs the remote receiving apparatus totune to the first channel on the first satellite.

[0016] Optionally, the identifying information may identify the firstsatellite by identifying a frequency and polarization of the firstchannel and an orbit location of the first satellite.

[0017] Optionally, the method may further comprise the step ofpredefining an order in which the first and second antenna receivingelements of the remote receiving apparatus are coupled to the first andsecond input ports for each of the remote receiving apparatus within thebroadcast communication system. In such embodiments, the identifyinginformation may identify the first satellite by identifying the firstinput port of the remote receiving apparatus when the first antennareceiving element is directed at the first satellite and is coupled tothe first input port.

[0018] Other features and advantages are inherent in the apparatusclaimed and disclosed or will become apparent to those skilled in theart from the following detailed description and its accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of an exemplarybroadcasting system employing one aspect of the invention.

[0020]FIG. 2 is a block-diagram representation of a remote receivingapparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a block diagram representation of the switchingapparatus employed in the remote receiving apparatus of FIG. 2.

[0022]FIG. 4 is a sample VCBC map.

[0023]FIG. 5 is a block diagram representation of an alternative remotereceiving apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of theinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024]FIG. 1 shows generally an exemplary broadcast communication systememploying an aspect of the present invention. Although throughout thefollowing description, the invention will be discussed in the context ofa satellite-based communication system, those skilled in the art willappreciate that the invention is not limited to any particular type ofsystem. On the contrary, the invention can be readily adapted to othercommunication system types including, by way of example, not limitation,cable systems, analog or digital terrestrial systems, and other wirelesssystems such as Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Systems (MMDS).

[0025] As used herein, the terms “signal” and “signals” refer to datamodulated at a predetermined frequency, multiplexed data packets, timesynchronized multiplexed data packets, and/or time synchronousmultiplexed data packets.

[0026] Turning now to FIG. 1, an exemplary broadcast system operated inaccordance with the teachings of the invention is illustrated. As shownin FIG. 1, a satellite transponder 10 transmits information to aplurality of remote receiving apparatus 12. It will be understood thatthe various remote receiving apparatus 12 can be disposed in residentialor commercial buildings, located in vehicles, or alternativelyimplemented as portable devices capable of use at multiple locationsincluding in the outdoors. In any event, the remote receiving apparatus12 are each coupled in a conventional manner to an antenna 14 orientedin the direction of the satellite 10, preferably for optimal reception.As is known in the art, more than one remote receiving apparatus can beassociated with a single antenna 14. Conversely, more than one antennacan be associated with a single remote receiving apparatus. For example,a direct duo antenna comprising a common reflector and two or moreantenna receiving elements located at different foci of the reflectorcould be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0027] As is also known in the art, the satellite transponder 10 isadapted to receive and broadcast a plurality of information orcommunication signals over a plurality of channels. The communicationsignals can be of any conventional type known in the art includingwithout limitation audio signals, video signals and data signals.Similarly, the remote receiving apparatus 12 can have any of a pluralityof known signal processing devices associated therewith including, butnot limited to, analog, digital and/or High Definition televisionreceivers, radio or stereo receivers, computers, video cassetterecorders, printers, facsimile machines, laser disc players, DVDplayers, DVHS, hard disks and printers.

[0028] In accordance with the teachings of an important aspect of theinvention, the signals broadcast by the satellite transponder 10 includeone or more controlling data streams comprising at least one commandcode adapted to effect the operation of one or more of the remotereceiving apparatus 12. To this end, one or more of the broadcastersemploying the communication system: (a) generate one or more controllingdata streams which are recognizable to one or more of the remotereceiving apparatus 12; (b) associate the controlling data streams withthe programming signals they are broadcasting; and (c) transmit thecombined signal over the satellite transponder 10.

[0029] The controlling data streams may contain either general codes orcustom codes. General codes are adapted to inform remote receivingapparatus 12 about a plurality of broadcast services or channels or toeffect the operation of the remote receiving apparatus 12 whenprocessing any of the plurality of broadcast channels. That is,controlling data streams containing general codes are one-to-manyrelated. On the other hand, controlling data streams containing customcodes are associated with a particular channel of information. In otherwords, generally speaking custom codes are adapted to effect aparticular function for a particular channel of information or toprovide information pertaining to a specific channel.

[0030] One possible implementation of a remote receiving apparatus 12constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention is shownin FIG. 2. Although, in the present description, the illustrated remotereceiving apparatus 12 is particularly well suited for use in asatellite based broadcast system, those skilled in the art willappreciate that other forms of remote receiving apparatus can beemployed without departing from the scope of the invention. For example,the remote receiving apparatus 12 could be implemented as a televisionreceiver, audio signal processor, radio or stereo receiver, computer orvideo cassette recorder without departing from the scope of theinvention.

[0031] For the purpose of routing received communication signals toappropriate peripherals 24, 26, 28, the remote receiving apparatus 12illustrated in FIG. 2 is provided with a switching apparatus 20. Asshown in FIG. 2, the switching apparatus 20 receives communicationsignals over one or more antennas 14, 15 and routes them over a databus21 to an integrated receiver decoder 22.

[0032] The integrated receiver decoder (IRD) 22 is a well knowncommercially available device which is particularly adapted for tuningin broadcast communication signals from a satellite based system andthereafter decoding and processing the tuned signals. The IRD 22typically has an associated tuner which is responsive to a user's inputto select a tuned channel. It also typically includes a logic circuitsuch as a microprocessor for decoding received signals and performingother well known conventional control functions. As shown in FIG. 2,after decoding and processing the signals broadcast on the tunedchannel, the IRD 22 communicates those signals to the switchingapparatus 20 via data lines 30 and 31. Data lines 30 are preferablyadapted to carry audio, video and data signals. Data line 31 ispreferably adapted to carry the controlling data streams and othercontrol signals. The data carried on lines 30, 31 can be in digital oranalog formats and may comprise, without limitation, tones, pulse widthmodulated data, voltage levels, or optical IR codes.

[0033] As mentioned above, the IRD 22 sends the tuned audio, video, anddata signals, along with the controlling data stream, to the switchingapparatus 20. If the controlling data stream is recognized by the logiccircuit of the switching apparatus 20 as being addressed to one or moreperipherals, the audio, video, and data signals are routed to theperipherals 24, 26 and 28 specified in the controlling data stream.Peripherals may include, but are not limited to, high definitiontelevisions, stereo amplifiers, video tape recorders, stock tickers, orcomputer terminals. For example, if the data that the IRD module 22receives includes an audio portion and a visual portion, thecorresponding controlling data stream could indicate that the audiosignals should be routed to an audio signal processor such as a stereoamplifier and that the video signals should be routed to a video signalprocessor such as a television, and the switching apparatus 20 will actaccordingly to route the signals to the specified devices. If thecontrolling data stream is not recognized by the switching apparatus 20the controlling data stream is routed with the audio, video and datasignals to all of the peripherals 24, 26 and 28 which will process thedata as appropriate. Controlling data streams and other data sent to theperipherals 24, 26 and 28 that remain unrecognized will be ignored andwill have no effect on the operation of the system.

[0034] The locations (addresses) of the system peripherals 24, 26 and 28are known by the switching apparatus 20. The locations of theperipherals 24, 26 and 28 are either programmed manually or areautomatically found by the switching apparatus 20 via the electronicsignatures of the peripherals 24, 26 and 28 in accordance with wellknown techniques.

[0035] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that,although the switching apparatus 20 is illustrated as a single switch asshown in FIG. 2, it can also be implemented as a hierarchy or series ofswitches.

[0036] In accordance with the teachings of another aspect of theinvention, the controlling data streams can be employed to effectvarious operations of a remote receiving apparatus. In one exemplaryembodiment, the mode of operation of a signal processing apparatus suchas a television or stereo receiver having at least two modes ofoperation is selected in a prioritized fashion by the controlling datastreams. More specifically, the signal processing apparatus 24 has atleast two modes of operation wherein the signal processing apparatus 24manipulates the audio, video, or data signal routed via the switchingapparatus 20 in a different manner to produce a different output in thefirst mode than in the second mode. For example, in the case of an audiosignal processor such as a stereo amplifier implemented as the signalprocessing apparatus 24, the apparatus 24 could have a dolby® digital orAC3 mode, a surround sound mode, a stereo mode and a monaural mode. If abroadcaster transmits a movie in dolby® digital with an appropriatecontrolling data stream, the switching apparatus 20 would automaticallyroute the video signal portion of the movie to a television receiver (inthis example, peripheral 26) and the audio portion of the program to thestereo amplifier (in this example, peripheral 24). Moreover, thecontrolling data stream could be configured to automatically cause thestereo amplifier 24 to enter its first mode of operation, (in thisexample, dolby® digital), so that the multimedia movie presentation isautomatically presented to the user in an optimal format.

[0037] As mentioned above, the controlling data stream can be configuredto select the mode of operation of the signal processing apparatus inprioritized fashion. For example, the controlling data stream could beconfigured to cause the signal processing apparatus 24 to enter thefirst perceived mode such as the dolby® digital or AC3 mode, if it issupported. If the apparatus 24 does not support the dolby® digital mode,the controlling data stream would direct the apparatus 24 to enter thesecond preferred mode such as the surround sound mode in the aboveexample. If neither the first or second preferred modes are supported,the controlling data stream would select a third mode. This processwould continue until the most preferred mode supported by the signalprocessing apparatus 24 is determined. In this manner, the controllingdata streams can be used to automatically configure remote receivingapparatus 12 to present the communication signals transmitted on thetuned channel in the most optimum manner supported by the apparatus 12.

[0038] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate thatthe above feature is equally applicable to a video signal processorhaving at least two modes of operation wherein a different visual effectoccurs in the first mode than in the second mode. Exemplary modesinclude, but are not limited to, a wide screen mode and a normal screenmode. The controlling data streams could, for example, be configured tocause the video signal processor to enter the wide screen mode, ifsupported. If the video signal processor does not support the widescreen mode, the controlling data stream would direct the processor toenter the normal screen mode. This latter election need not be an activeevent. The controlling data stream could simply instruct the videosignal processor to enter a default mode if the preferred modeidentified in the controlling data stream is not supported. This defaultprocedure is, of course, applicable in other contexts including theaudio signal processing example given above.

[0039] As will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art,the controlling data streams in the above examples can be processed by alogic circuit such as a microprocessor located in the integratedreceiver decoder or a microprocessor located in the switching apparatuswithout departing from the scope of the invention.

[0040] In accordance with the teachings of another aspect of theinvention, the controlling data streams can be configured to effect theoperation of a predetermined model of a predetermined type of remotereceiving apparatus 12 either without effecting the operation of othertypes of remote receiving apparatus 12 or while effecting the operationof other types of remote receiving apparatus differently. Morespecifically, there are a wide range of types of remote receivingapparatus 12 including, but not limited to, integrated receiverdecoders, television receivers, stereo receivers, computers, videocassette recorders, video disc players, printers and DVD players. Most,if not all, of these types of apparatus 12 are sold in various models byvarious manufacturers. Different models sold by a particularmanufacturer often have different features and capabilities, as dodifferent models sold by different manufacturers. The disclosedcontrolling data streams take advantage of these differences byincluding one or more codes addressed to, and recognizable by, one ormore predetermined models of a predetermined type of remote receivingapparatus. For example, controlling data streams can be configured suchthat only televisions of a particular model can receive a particularbroadcast signal.

[0041] The controlling data streams can be further refined so that onlypredetermined models sold by a predetermined manufacturer of a remotereceiving apparatus can receive a particular broadcast. By way ofexample, the controlling data streams could be used to address certainmodels of computers sold by a manufacturer such that only users withthose particular models could receive the broadcasted information whichmight, for example, be an updated operating system or other computerprogram. By way of further examples, the controlling data streams can beconfigured such that only owners of televisions sold by a particularmanufacturer can receive a broadcast, or such that televisions sold by afirst manufacturer would receive a first specified group of commercialswhereas televisions sold by a second manufacturer would receive a secondspecified group of commercials. This latter example would be veryvaluable for marketing products tailored to specific demographic groupsdirectly to those groups. For example, if it were determined thatpurchasers of large screen televisions were more likely to purchase anautomobile costing in excess of $30,000.00, the controlling data streamscould be configured to cause a commercial for a car costing over$30,000.00 to run on large screen televisions and a commercial for aless expensive vehicle (or a different product altogether) to run onother televisions.

[0042] One way to achieve this direct marketing scheme would be for thecontrolling data streams to instruct large screen televisions to tune toa first predetermined commercial channel (possibly carried on anothersatellite) during a predefined commercial break, and to instruct allother televisions to stay tuned to the first channel or to tune to asecond predetermined commercial channel during the same predefinedcommercial break. At the end of the break, all televisions would returnto the original tuned channel for a continuation of the program.

[0043] In accordance with the teachings of yet another aspect of theinvention, the controlling data steams can be utilized to effectautomatic satellite selection in a satellite based communication system.For example, as broadcast systems introduce new satellites into orbit,it is necessary to ensure users have access to programming on allsatellites. With satellites positioned in different orbital slots, thiscan require the use of multiple antennas or multiple antenna receivingelements (e.g., multiple LNBs). The disclosed controlling data steamsenable automatic switching between such antennas components.

[0044] By way of example, FIG. 3 illustrates a switching apparatus 20configured to perform automatic satellite selections. As shown in FIG.3, the switching apparatus 20 includes two input ports 34, 36, each ofwhich is coupled to an antenna 14, 15. The antennas 14, 15 are directedto two different satellites. The two input ports 34, 36 are coupled toan output port 38 through a controlled switch 40. Depending on theposition of the controlled switch 40, either input port 34 or input port35 will be coupled to output port 38. In the illustrated embodiment,data bus 21 (see FIG. 2) is coupled to the output port 38. Persons ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that communications to switch42 or switch 41 from the IRD 22 may be effected by superimposing controlsignals on lines 30 or by transmitting control signals from the IRD 22on line 21.

[0045] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that,although switches 40, 42 are shown as separate devices in FIG. 3, theymay optionally be implemented by one integrated component. Similarly,although for simplicity of illustration the antennas 14, 15 in FIG. 3have been illustrated as separate devices, persons of ordinary skill inthe art will readily appreciate that antennas 14, 15 could compriseantenna receiving elements associated with a common reflector andpositioned at different foci of the reflector without departing from thescope or the spirit of the invention. As used throughout this document,the term “antenna receiving element” includes a stand alone antenna asshown in FIG. 3 and/or the entirety of, or a subset of an antennaelement associated with a common reflector as described above.

[0046] In operation, a broadcaster transmits the entirety of certainprograms over a first satellite and controlling data steams oncorresponding channels over a second satellite. The controlling datasteams on the second satellite indicate that the programming for theircorresponding channel is being carried on the first satellite. Ofcourse, the second satellite will likewise carry the entirety of (orsubset of) certain other programs on other channels.

[0047] A viewer-channel-to-broadcast-channel (VCBC) map illustrating anexample in which three separate satellites (Satellite A, Satellite B,and Satellite C) broadcast signals on viewer channels 101, 102 and 103is shown in FIG. 4. As shown in that figure, the audio and videoprogramming (audio 101, video 101) for channel 101 is carried onsatellite A along with one or more controlling data stream (CDS 101).Satellites B and C carry controlling data streams (3000) on channel 101instructing viewers to select Satellite A for the audio and videoprogramming for channel 101. Similarly, Satellite B carries the audio,visual, and controlling data stream programming (audio 102, video 102and CDS 102) for channel 102 whereas Satellites A and C each carry acontrolling data stream (3001) advising viewers to select Satellite B toview the audio and video programming associated with channel 102.Finally, Satellite C carries the audio, visual and controlling datastream programming (audio 103, video 103, and CDS 103) associated withchannel 103, while in this example, Satellites A and B each carry acontrolling data stream (3003) instructing viewers to select Satellite Cfor the audio and visual programming for channel 103. As explainedbelow, the controlling data streams 3000, 3001, 3002 instructing theviewers to select another satellite may optionally be omitted.

[0048] In any event, if, for instance, the IRD 22 tunes to a specifiedchannel on a first antenna 14 which carries a controlling data streamindicating that the programming is being carried on the satelliteassociated with the second antenna 15, the IRD 22 will transmit anappropriate signal to the switch network 42 of the switching apparatus20 via line 31, and the switch network 42 will cause the controlledswitch 40 to connect the second antenna 15 to the output port 38.(Optionally, the IRD 22 may control the antenna switch 40 via line 21.)Thus, the controlling data stream enables the remote receiving apparatus12 to automatically select the appropriate satellite for the channel theuser wishes to view. The selection is performed without user involvement(other than tuned channel selection).

[0049] Although in the above example, the recognition of the controllingdata stream instructing the remote receiving apparatus 12 to select theother satellite was performed by the IRD 22, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that such recognition could be performed by theswitching apparatus 20. To this end the switching apparatus 20 can beprovided with a logic circuit such as a microprocessor. Such a logiccircuit could likewise govern the routing of signals to the peripherals24, 26 and 28 via the switching network 42.

[0050] Although in the above described embodiments, the switchingapparatus 20 has been depicted as a device external to the IRD 22, thoseskilled in the art will readily appreciate that the switching apparatus20 can likewise be integral with the IRD 22 without departing from thescope or spirit of the invention. An exemplary embodiment of such an IRD22 is illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the IRD 22 is provided with a logic circuitin the form of microprocessor 50 for decoding received signals andcontrolling the overall operation of the device. The IRD 22 is providedwith a tuner 52 which can be manipulated by a user to select a tunedchannel from the plurality of channels received by the device 22. TheIRD 22 can optionally be provided with two antennas 14, 15 and anantenna switch 40 which is operable to effect satellite switching asdescribed above in connection with FIG. 3.

[0052] In order to perform signal routing to attached peripherals inaccordance with the techniques described above, the IRD 22 of thisembodiment is also provided with a switching network 42 having aplurality of output ports. As in the earlier embodiment, in the deviceillustrated in FIG. 5, the switching network 42 is coupled to themicroprocessor 50 via audio, video and data lines 30, as well as controlline 31. Also like the earlier described embodiments, control line 31may be optionally eliminated and control data may be optionallysuperimposed on data lines 30.

[0053] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciatethat, although for simplicity of illustration, only two antennas 14, 15are shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, any other number of antennas couldlikewise be employed without departing from the scope or spirit of theinvention.

[0054] The receiving apparatus 12 can be adapted to identify whichantenna is coupled to which input port of the switching network 42 innumerous manners without departing from the scope of the invention. Forexample, the antennas could be connected to the input ports of theswitching network 42 in a predefined manner (e.g., antenna A pointed atsatellite A coupled to input port A, antenna B pointed at satellite Bcoupled to input port B, etc.). Under such an approach, the controllingdata stream(s) concerning satellite selection preferably identify thesatellite to be connected by instructing the remote receiving apparatus12 to cause the switching network 42 to connect a particular input portto the output port. For example, in a scenario where a user viewing atelevision program on a first tuned channel carried on satellite A andreceived via antenna A coupled to input port A wishes to view a secondprogram on a second channel carried on satellite B and received viaantenna B coupled to input port B, upon receiving an instruction tochange to the second channel the remote receiving apparatus 12preferably first looks to satellite A where it finds a controlling datastream broadcast on the second tuned channel. The controlling datastream instructs the remote receiving apparatus 12 to connect input portB (which, in this example, is predefined to be coupled to the antennadirected at satellite B) to the output port(s) of the switching network42 such that the second program can be received.

[0055] Although the above approach is acceptable, it is somewhatsusceptible to human error in that it requires the installer of theremote receiving apparatus 12 and the antennas 14, 15 to correctlyconnect the antennas to appropriate ones of the input ports of theswitching network 42 in compliance with the predefined connectingscheme. For instances, in the above example, if antenna B directed tosatellite B had been erroneously coupled to input port C, the remotereceiving apparatus 12 would have been unable to receive the desiredsecond program.

[0056] One way to overcome such a difficulty is to provide the remotereceiving apparatus 12 with a default satellite polling routine wherein,if following the directions of the controlling data streams does notresult in location of the desired second program, the switching network42 sequentially couples each input port to its output port and thedesired tuned channel is viewed on each connected satellite until thesecond program is located. Under such an approach, the second programcan be identified by the fact that it does not include a controllingdata stream directing the remote receiving apparatus 12 to selectanother input port. It should be emphasized that, during this defaultroutine, the directions of the controlling data streams concerning thelocation of the second program are ignored because it has beendetermined that the antennas are incorrectly coupled to the input portsof the switching network 42 and/or the controlling data streams containerroneous information.

[0057] In embodiments employing VCBC maps (discussed further below), thedesired channel can be acquired by use of the following default routine.Until the desired program is located, the switching network 42sequentially couples each input port to its output port. The VCBC map ineach output signal is found and a search for the presence of the desiredchannel in the VCBC is then performed. If the channel is in the VCBCmap, a determination is made as to whether a controlling data streamre-directing the apparatus to another satellite input port is present.If no VCBC map is found, the desired channel is considered to be notpresent. If the desired channel is present in the VCBC map, and noredirection stream is present in the VCBC map, the desired channel hasbeen located.

[0058] While polling, if the VCBC map information acquired from thesatellite does not include a configuration for, a mention of, or areference to, the desired tuned channel, then the satellite connectionbeing examined is deemed erroneous and polling of the satellite portsshould continue. The VCBC map of the proper satellite does configure thedesired program's service. The aforementioned VCBC map is preferablypart of the satellite's program guide or system information thatconfigures the digital multiplex of the satellite's transport stream anddata packets into program services.

[0059] To avoid the potential for human error associated with requiringantennas aligned with specific satellites to be coupled to specificinput ports of the switching network 42, the remote receiving apparatus12 is preferably adapted to automatically identify each connectedsatellite based on the frequency and/or the polarization of the programsbroadcast by the satellite and/or on the orbit location of thesatellite. Under this approach, rather than specifying an input port,the controlling data streams which are broadcast on the satellite(s) notcarrying the actual program preferably specify the frequency,polarization, and orbit location where the program can be found. Theremote receiving apparatus 12 preferably utilizes the informationprovided by the controlling data stream to couple the appropriate inputport to the output port of the switching network 42.

[0060] The remote receiving apparatus 12 preferably achieves thisautomatic satellite selection in the following manner. Preferably, theantennas 14, 15 of the apparatus 12 include antenna receiving elements(e.g., LNBs) which are responsive to command codes to each output apolarity from the satellite it monitors. After the antennas 14, 15 areproperly aligned with their respective satellites, the antenna receivingelements are controlled by the IRD 22 (or, optionally, by anintermediate switch) to output the polarities of their correspondingsatellites. The control signals from the IRD may comprise voltage levelsignals, tone signals, modulated tone signals, or a combination of theseapproaches. The LNBs are preferably designed with frequency allocationsto avoid interfering with one another, and to provide a characteristicsatellite “footprint”.

[0061] The IRD 22 responds to the controlling data stream(s) byselecting a mode from the LNB(s). Regardless of the input portconfiguration, each LNB receives the same mode command. The LNBs thenoutput their footprints (i.e., the polarization information and the LNBfrequency) either individually or as a combined RF signal. The IRD 22then utilizes the information from the LNBs to deterministically findthe correct satellite input port. Each LNB is then known to be alignedto a particular satellite carrying broadcast services by thepolarization characteristics and the frequency footprinting.

[0062] In accordance with the teachings of a further aspect of theinvention, means for mapping one or more controlling data stream(s) to aplurality of user channels is provided. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4, data comprising a viewer-channel-to-broadcast-channel (VCBC) mapand one or more controlling data streams are transmitted over thebroadcast communication system. The VCBC map correlates the controllingdata stream(s) to the user channels being broadcast. The VCBC map andthe controlling data stream(s) are received by the remote receivingapparatus, (comprising, in the illustrated embodiment, IRD 22), wherethey are stored in a memory 60 associated with the logic circuit. Thelogic circuit, (in this embodiment microprocessor 50), then accesses theVCBC map when the user selects a tuned channel to determine if one ormore controlling data stream is associated with the tuned channel. Ifthe VCBC map indicates that one or more controlling data stream isassociated with the tuned channel, the logic circuit retrieves thecontrolling data stream(s) identified in the VCBC map from memory andthen proceeds just as if the controlling data stream had been receivedon the tuned channel.

[0063] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that theVCBC map can be utilized with controlling data streams exhibiting any ofthe features described above (either simultaneously or at differenttimes), if desired. For example, the VCBC map can be utilized withcontrolling data streams which are adapted to select a mode of operationof a remote receiving apparatus, with controlling data streams which areadapted to facilitate satellite selection; and/or with controlling datastreams which are adapted to effect at least one predetermined model ofa predetermined type of remote receiving apparatus differently than atleast one other predetermined model of the predetermined type of remotereceiving apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0064] In the preferred embodiment, the VCBC map and/or the controllingdata streams are broadcasted periodically, (for example, once everyhour) and the VCBC map is adapted to accurately map the controlling datastreams to the user channels for at least as long as the time betweentransmissions. Of course, the VCBC map is preferably updated as neededfor each transmission. For example, if a first controlling data streamis mapped to channel 32 for the time period of 9:00 AM-10:00 AM, but adifferent, second controlling data stream is to be associated withchannel 32 for the time period of 10:00 AM-11:00 AM, the VCBC mapbroadcast at 8:45 AM would be different from the VCBC map broadcast at9:45 AM in that the 8:45 AM VCBC map would map the first controllingdata stream to channel 32 wherein the 9:45 AM VCBC map would map thesecond controlling data stream to that channel.

[0065] The use of the VCBC map is advantageous in that it does notutilize as much broadcast capacity as individually broadcasting thecontrolling data streams with their associated user channels. This isparticularly true in instances where the same controlling data stream isto be associated with more than one user channel because such acontrolling data stream need only be broadcast once. The VCBC map thenmaps the multiple user channels to the same controlling data streamstored in the memory of the remote receiving apparatus 12, and the logiccircuit retrieves it when the user tunes to any one of the associateduser channels.

[0066] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatalthough the VCBC map has been termed a viewer channel to broadcastchannel map, it is in no way limited to use with video signals or videosignal channels. On the contrary, it is equally applicable to video,audio, web and data signals (and mixtures thereof) and to channelscarrying any or all of those types of signals. Persons of ordinary skillin the art will also appreciate that the VCBC map can be configured toinclude the controlling data streams or to include pointers to thecontrolling data streams saved independently in memory without departingfrom the scope or the spirit of the invention. In the preferredembodiment, however, the controlling data streams are savedindependently of the VCBC map to limit broadcast time. For example, allcontrolling data streams can be broadcasted once a day (for example, inthe middle of the night) and saved in the memory of the remote receivingapparatus 12. The VCBC map, which contains pathnames to the controllingdata streams in memory and is, thus, much shorter than it would be hadit contained the actual controlling data streams, is broadcasted at muchmore frequent intervals throughout the day (e.g., once an hour). Themore frequent broadcast of the VCBC map is preferred because itscontents will typically change throughout the day. Of course, a moreextensive VCBC map can be broadcast less frequently if it reflects thecontrolling data stream changes over a correspondingly longer length oftime without departing from the scope or the spirit of the invention.

[0067] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatcontrolling data streams in any of the foregoing embodiments cancomprise analog or digital codes. Moreover, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that controlling data streams in any of the foregoingembodiments can be configured to trigger responses at an absolute timesuch as 1:00 PM Eastern time; or at a time after the expiration of apredetermined delay period referenced to absolute time, to time ofreceipt, or to an event in the transmitted data without departing fromthe scope of the invention.

[0068] Finally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, althoughthe invention has been described in connection with certain embodiments,there is no intent to limit the invention thereto. On the contrary, theintention of this application is to cover all modifications andembodiments fairly falling within the scope of the appended claimseither literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. For use with a broadcast communication system for delivering a plurality of channels of information signals to a plurality of remote users, the broadcast communication system including a first satellite and a second satellite, a receiving apparatus comprising: a first antenna receiving element substantially directed towards the first satellite; a second antenna receiving element substantially directed towards the second satellite, a tuner for selecting one of the plurality of channels as the tuned channel; a switching device having an output port, a first input port in communication with the first antenna receiving element, and a second input port in communication with the second antenna receiving element, the switching device being adapted to switch between a first mode wherein the first input port is coupled to the output port and a second mode wherein the second input port is coupled to the output port, the switching device being responsive to a controlling data stream transmitted on the tuned channel by the first satellite to switch from the first mode to the second mode, wherein the information signals transmitted on the tuned channel by the second satellite include program information.
 2. A receiving apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the switching device comprises an integrated receiver decoder.
 3. A receiving apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein the tuner is integral to the integrated receiver decoder.
 4. A receiving apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising an integrated receiver decoder wherein the switching device and integrated receiver decoder are located in separate housings.
 5. A receiving apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the switching device is located at the first antenna receiving element.
 6. A receiving apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the output port comprises first and second output ports.
 7. A remote receiving apparatus as defined in claim 6 further comprising first and second signal processing apparatus coupled to the first and second output ports, the switching device being responsive to a controlling data stream to route at least a first portion of the program information received from the second satellite to a first selected one of the first and second signal processing apparatus.
 8. A remote receiving apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein the switching device routes a second portion of the program information to a second selected one of the first and second signal processing apparatus.
 9. A remote receiving apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein the first portion of the program information comprises an audio signal and the second portion of the program information comprises a video signal.
 10. A remote receiving apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein the first selected one comprises an audio signal processor and the second selected one comprises a video signal processor.
 11. A remote receiving apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the controlling data stream instructs the switching device to switch from the first mode to the second mode at a predefined time.
 12. A remote receiving apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein the predefined time comprises an absolute time.
 13. A remote receiving apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein the predefined time comprises a relative time.
 14. For use with a broadcast communication system for delivering a plurality of channels of information signals to a plurality of remote users, the broadcast communication system including three satellites, a receiving apparatus comprising: first, second and third antenna receiving elements, each of the first, second and third antenna receiving elements being substantially respectively directed towards one of the three satellites; a tuner for selecting one of the plurality of channels as the tuned channel; and, a switching device having an output port and first, second and third input ports, the first, second, and third input ports being respectively in communication with the first, second and third antenna receiving elements, the switching device being responsive to a controlling data stream received via at least one of the first, second, and third antenna receiving elements to selectively couple at least one of the first, second and third input ports to the output port, the controlling data stream specifying which of the three satellites carries program information corresponding to the tuned channel.
 15. A receiving apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein the satellites are connected to the first, second and third input ports in a predefined manner, and the controlling data stream specifies which of the satellites carries the program information by identifying one of the first, second and third input ports for connection to the output port.
 16. A receiving apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein the controlling data stream specifies which of the satellites carries the program information by specifying an orbit location for the specified satellite, and the switching device automatically locates the specified satellite such that the program information on the tuned channel is coupled to the output port.
 17. A receiving apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein the controlling data stream specifies which of the satellites carries the program information by specifying a polarization of the tuned channel, and the switching device automatically locates the specified satellite such that the program information on the tuned channel is coupled to the output port.
 18. A receiving apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein the controlling data stream specifies which of the satellites carries the program information by specifying a frequency of the tuned channel, and the switching device automatically locates the specified satellite such that the program information on the tuned channel is coupled to the output port.
 19. A receiving-apparatus as defined in claim
 14. wherein the controlling data stream specifies which of the satellites carries the program information by specifying a frequency and polarization of the tuned channel and an orbit location of the specified satellite, and wherein the switching device automatically locates the specified satellite such that the program information on the tuned channel is coupled to the output port.
 20. A receiving apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein the output port comprises first and second output ports.
 21. A remote receiving apparatus as defined in claim 20 further comprising first and second signal processing apparatus coupled to the first and second output ports, the switching device being responsive to a controlling data stream to route at least a first portion of the program information received from the specified satellite to a first selected one of the first and second signal processing apparatus.
 22. A remote receiving apparatus as defined in claim 21 wherein the switching device routes a second portion of the program information to a second selected one of the first and second signal processing apparatus.
 23. A remote receiving apparatus as defined in claim 22 wherein the first portion of the program information comprises an audio signal and the second portion of the program information comprises a video signal.
 24. A remote receiving apparatus as defined in claim 23 wherein the first selected one comprises an audio signal processor and the second selected one comprises a video signal processor.
 25. A receiving apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein the switching device comprises an integrated receiver decoder.
 26. A receiving apparatus as defined in claim 25 wherein the tuner is integral to the integrated receiver decoder.
 27. A receiving apparatus as defined in claim 14 further comprising an integrated receiver decoder wherein the switching device and integrated receiver decoder are located in separate housings.
 28. A receiving apparatus as defined in claim 27 wherein the switching device is located at the first antenna receiving element.
 29. A remote receiving apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein the controlling data stream instructs the switching device to couple the at least one of the input ports to the output port at a predefined time.
 30. A remote receiving apparatus as defined in claim 29 wherein the predefined time comprises an absolute time.
 31. A remote receiving apparatus as defined in claim 29 wherein the predefined time comprises a relative time.
 32. For use in a broadcast communication system for delivering a plurality of channels of information to a plurality of remote receiving apparatus, a method of facilitating satellite selection by the remote receiving apparatus comprising the steps of: broadcasting an information signal over a first channel on a first satellite; and, broadcasting a controlling data stream over the first channel on a second satellite, the controlling data stream including information identifying the first satellite as carrying the information signal whereby, if a remote receiving apparatus tunes to the first channel on the second satellite, the identifying information contained in the controlling data stream directs the remote receiving apparatus to tune to the first channel on the first satellite.
 33. A method as defined in claim 32 wherein the plurality of remote receiving apparatus each include first and second antenna receiving elements and first and second input ports, and further comprising the step of predefining an order in which the first and second antenna receiving elements are coupled to the first and second input ports for each of the remote receiving apparatus within the broadcast communication system.
 34. A method as defined in claim 33 wherein the identifying information identifies the first satellite by identifying the first input port of the remote receiving apparatus and wherein the first antenna receiving element is directed at the first satellite and is coupled to the first input port.
 35. A method as defined in claim 32 wherein the identifying information identifies the first satellite by identifying a frequency and polarization of the first channel and an orbit location of the first satellite. 